Checkout system

ABSTRACT

A registration apparatus stores input data. The registration apparatus outputs the stored data. A checkout apparatus receives an input relating to payment for a commodity before data input of all commodities purchased by a customer at the registration apparatus is terminated. The checkout apparatus stores data relating to the received input. The checkout apparatus generates transaction data indicating a content of one transaction based on the stored data and the data output from the registration apparatus and issues a receipt.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 15/602,163filed on May 23, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2016-102574, filed May 23, 2016, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a checkout system, acheckout method, and an in-store transaction network.

BACKGROUND

There is known a semi-self-type checkout system as a checkout system fora retail store. The semi-self-type checkout system contains aregistration apparatus for inputting data of a commodity to be purchasedby a customer, in other words, a so-called purchase target commodity anda checkout apparatus for processing payment of the purchase targetcommodity based on the data input by the registration apparatus. A storeclerk mainly operates the registration apparatus, and the customermainly operates the checkout apparatus.

In a case of the semi-self-type checkout system, the customer carriesthe purchase target commodity to a checkout region. There is a storeclerk in the checkout region, and the store clerk operates theregistration apparatus to input the data of the purchase targetcommodity. The customer waits for until the data input is terminated. Ifthe data input is terminated and the store clerk instructs movement tothe checkout apparatus, the customer moves to an installation positionof the instructed checkout apparatus and operates the checkout apparatusto execute the payment.

In this way, the customer stands by near the registration apparatusuntil the data input of the purchase target commodity is finished, andafter the data input is terminated, the customer moves to theinstallation position of the checkout apparatus to start preparation forpayment. In other words, as the customer starts the preparation forpayment after the data input of the purchase target commodity iscompleted and the customer moves to the installation position of thecheckout apparatus, waiting time until the data input is completed iswasteful.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pattern view illustrating a checkout system according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main circuit structures of aregistration apparatus and a checkout apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a pattern view illustrating the data structure of a selectiontable;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedureof one transaction executed by a CPU of the registration apparatusaccording to a control program;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedureof one transaction executed by the CPU of the registration apparatusaccording to the control program;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedureof one transaction executed by a CPU of the checkout apparatus accordingto a control program;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating detailed procedures of the checkoutpreprocessing in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating detailed procedures of an electronicmoney processing in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating detailed procedures of a paymentreception processing in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating detailed procedures of a checkoutprocessing in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a registration imagedisplayed on a touch panel of the registration apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a link destination imagedisplayed in the registration image in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a checkout preparationimage displayed on the touch panel of the checkout apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a checkout apparatusselection image displayed on the touch panel of the registrationapparatus; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another example of the checkoutapparatus selection image displayed on the touch panel of theregistration apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment, a checkout system includes aregistration apparatus for inputting data of a commodity purchased by acustomer and a plurality of checkout apparatuses for processing paymentof the commodity based on the data input in the registration apparatus.The registration apparatus includes a registration side storage moduleand an output module. The checkout apparatus includes a paymentreception module, a checkout side storage module, a generation moduleand an issuance module.

The registration side storage module stores input data. The outputmodule outputs the data stored by the registration side storage module.The payment reception module receives an input relating to payment for acommodity before data input of all commodities purchased by a customerat the registration apparatus is terminated. The checkout side storagemodule stores data relating to the input received by the paymentreception module. The generation module generates transaction dataindicating a content of one transaction based on the data stored in thecheckout side storage module and the data output by the output module.The issuance module issues a receipt of the one transaction based on thetransaction data generated by the generation module.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a checkout system with which a customercan start preparation of payment at an installation position of acheckout apparatus without waiting for termination of data input of apurchase target commodity is described with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a pattern view illustrating a checkout system 10 according tothe present embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a plurality ofregistration apparatuses 11 and checkout apparatuses 12. Theregistration apparatus 11 and the checkout apparatus 12 are arranged ineach checkout lane of a retail store. The number of the registrationapparatuses 11 and the number of the checkout apparatuses 12 arranged inone checkout lane are optional. The number of the checkout apparatuses12 is more than that of the registration apparatuses 11. In the presentembodiment, one registration apparatus 11 and two checkout apparatuses12 are arranged in each of three checkout lanes.

The registration apparatus 11 and the checkout apparatus 12 in eachcheckout lane are connected to a LAN (local area network) 13 which is anin-store network. The registration apparatus 11 and the checkoutapparatus 12 exchange information via a LAN 13. Although not shown indrawing, a server is connected to the LAN 13. The server stores acommodity database in which commodity information such as a commodityname and unit price is set in association with a commodity code of eachcommodity. The server may further store other databases. Anothercommunication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN may be usedinstead of the LAN 13 as the network. Information may be exchangedbetween the registration apparatus 11 and the checkout apparatus 12 viathe server.

Unique device IDs are assigned to the registration apparatus 11 and thecheckout apparatus 12, respectively. Depending on the device ID, theregistration apparatus 11 and the checkout apparatus 12 are individuallyidentified. In the present embodiment, a device ID “R1” is assigned tothe registration apparatus 11 installed in the checkout lane on the leftside as viewed from the front of FIG. 1. A device ID “R2” is assigned tothe registration apparatus 11 installed in the checkout lane in thecenter. A device ID “R3” is assigned to the registration apparatus 11installed in the checkout lane on the right side. Device IDs “A1” and“A2” are assigned to the two checkout apparatuses 12 installed in thecheckout lane on the left side. Device IDs “A3” and “A4” are assigned tothe two checkout apparatuses 12 arranged in the checkout lane in thecenter. Device IDs “A5” and “A6” are assigned to the two checkoutapparatuses 12 arranged in the checkout lane on the right side.

The checkout system 10 is a semi-self-type. In other words, a storeclerk 21 who plays a role of checker operates the registration apparatus11. A customer 22 who intends to purchase the commodity operates thecheckout apparatus 12. The registration apparatus 11 is installed on acounter 14. The counter 14 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality ofcounters 14 is arranged such that the longitudinal directions of the topplates thereof are substantially parallel to each other, whereby apassage (checkout lane) of the customer 22 is formed. In the presentembodiment, after entering the passage from a sales floor side (lowerside in FIG. 1) and placing a shopping basket 16 including a purchasetarget commodity on the counter 14, the customer 22 moves to aninstallation position of any one of the checkout apparatuses 12. Thestore clerk 21 instructs the customer to move to which installationposition of the checkout apparatus 12. Information indicating whichinstallation position of the checkout apparatus 12 the customer moves tois delivered to the customer by display or voice and the like, and thecustomer may voluntarily move to the installation position of thecheckout apparatus 12.

The registration apparatus 11 has a function of registering the purchasetarget commodity and a function of creating registration transactiondata. Registration of the purchase target commodity refers to that theregistration apparatus 11 receives data input of the commodity that thecustomer 22 desires to purchase and registers the data in a memory. Forexample, if a barcode attached to the purchase target commodity isscanned by a scanner, the registration apparatus 11 registers data suchas sales quantity and sales amount of the commodity. The registrationtransaction data refers to collection of data obtained by registeringall the commodities that one customer desires to purchase. Theregistration transaction data includes a commodity code, a commodityname, unit price, sales quantity and sales amount for each purchasetarget commodity, total quantities and total amount of all purchasetarget commodities, and the like. The registration transaction datacreated by the registration apparatus 11 is transferred to any one ofthe checkout apparatuses 12.

The memory in which the data is registered is not necessarily a memoryprovided in the registration apparatus 11. The data may be registered ina memory of an external device connected to the registration apparatus11.

In FIG. 1, two checkout apparatuses 12 are arranged side by side along ashort side of each counter 14 at an opposite side to the sales floorside. Then, each checkout apparatus 12 is installed in such a mannerthat the customer 22 who operates the checkout apparatus 12 faces theretail store. On the right side of each checkout apparatus 12 as seenfrom the customer 22 operating the checkout apparatus 12, there is atable 15 for bagging. The commodity registered by the registrationapparatus 11 and put in the shopping basket 16 is placed on the table 15by the store clerk. The customer 22 operates the checkout apparatus 12to pay for the commodity and bags the commodity.

How to arrange the registration apparatus 11 and the checkout apparatus12 is arbitrary and is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1.The arrangement may be optional as long as a movement route that thecustomer 22 goes to the vicinity of the registration apparatus 11 todeposit the purchase target commodity to the store clerk 21, and thenmoves to the installation position of the checkout apparatus 12 tooperate the checkout apparatus 12 is ensured.

The checkout apparatus 12 includes a function of receiving theregistration transaction data transferred from the registrationapparatus 11, a function of processing the payment for the purchasetarget commodity based on the registration transaction data and thelike. There are various methods for paying for the commodity. In thepresent embodiment, the checkout apparatus 12 corresponds to paymentwith cash, electronic money and a credit card. The checkout apparatus 12may correspond to other payment methods, for example, a cash voucherpayment such as a gift certificate, payment with accumulated points, andthe like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main circuit structure of theregistration apparatus 11 and the checkout apparatus 12. Theregistration apparatus 11 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11 b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11 c, anauxiliary storage unit 11 d, a scanner 11 e, a touch panel 11 f, aprinter 11 g, a communication unit 11 h and a transmission system 11 i.

The CPU 11 a, the ROM 11 b, the RAM 11 c and the auxiliary memory unit11 d are connected with each other via the transmission system 11 i toconstitute a computer. The CPU 11 a acts as a main unit of the computer.The CPU 11 a controls each section for realizing various functions ofthe registration apparatus 11 based on an operating system, middlewareand application programs stored in the ROM 11 b and the RAM 11 c.

The ROM 11 b acts as a main memory unit of the computer. The ROM 11 bstores the operating system. The ROM 11 b also stores the middleware orapplication programs in some cases. The ROM 11 b still also storesreference data required to execute various processing by the CPU 11 a insome cases.

The RAM 11 c acts as a main storage unit of the computer. The RAM 11 calso stores reference data required to execute various processing by theCPU 11 a. Further, the RAM 11 c is used as a so-called working area inwhich data temporarily used by the CPU 11 a for executing variousprocessing is stored.

The auxiliary memory unit 11 d acts as an auxiliary storage unit of thecomputer. The auxiliary memory unit 11 d stores data used by the CPU 11a to execute various processing or data created through a processingcarried out by the CPU 11 a. The auxiliary memory unit 11 d may be, forexample, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), anHDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive). Applicationprograms stored in the ROM 11 b or the auxiliary memory unit 11 dinclude a control program written for an information processing executedby the registration apparatus 11.

The scanner 11 e reads a barcode attached to the commodity to obtain thecommodity code of the commodity. The touch panel 11 f includes a displaydevice and a touch sensor. The touch panel 11 f is provided on thecounter 14 in such a manner that a screen thereof faces a working spaceside of the store clerk 21. The printer 11 g issues a receipt byprinting various character strings or images on a receipt paper. Thecommunication unit 11 h is connected to the LAN 13. The communicationunit 11 h executes data communication with a plurality of the checkoutapparatuses 12 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11 h canexecute the data communication with another registration apparatus 11via the LAN 13.

The transmission system 11 i transmits data transmitted or receivedamong the CPU 11 a, the ROM 11 b, the RAM 11 c, the auxiliary memoryunit 11 d, the scanner 11 e, the touch panel 11 f, the printer 11 g andthe communication unit 11 h. The transmission system 11 i may be a knownsystem which includes various buses such as a system bus and variousinterface circuits for connecting these buses with each section.Further, as the hardware of such a registration apparatus 11, forexample, an existing POS terminal can be used.

The checkout apparatus 12 includes a CPU 12 a, a ROM 12 b, a RAM 12 c,an auxiliary storage unit 12 d, a scanner 12 e, the touch panel 12 f, aprinter 12 g, a communication unit 12 h, a card reader/writer 12 j, anelectronic money reader/writer 12 k, an automatic change machine 12 mand a transmission system 12 i.

The card reader/writer 12 j has a function of reading data recorded in acard and a function of writing data to the card. The card includes acard for settlement such as a credit card or a debit card.

The electronic money reader/writer 12 k has a function of reading datarecorded in an electronic money medium and a function of writing data tothe electronic money medium. The electronic money medium includes an ICcard, a smartphone, and the like.

The automatic change machine 12 m receives an inserted coin and bill.The automatic change machine 12 m also discharges the coin and the billas the change.

The CPU 12 a, the ROM 12 b, the RAM 12 c, the auxiliary storage unit 12d, the scanner 12 e, the touch panel 12 f, the printer 12 g, thecommunication unit 12 h and the transmission system 12 i have the samefunctions as those of the registration apparatus 11. In other words, theCPU 12 a, the ROM 12 b, the RAM 12 c and the auxiliary memory unit 12 dare connected with each other via the transmission system 12 i toconstitute a computer. The CPU 12 a controls each section for realizingvarious operations of the settlement apparatus 12 according to anoperating system, middleware and application programs stored in the ROM12 b and the RAM 12 c. Application programs stored in the ROM 12 b orthe auxiliary memory unit 12 d include a control program written for aninformation processing executed by the checkout apparatus 12. As thehardware of such a settlement apparatus 12, for example, a knownself-checkout POS terminal can be used.

The checkout system 10 including the registration apparatus 11 and thecheckout apparatus 12 having such a constitution has the followingfunctions A˜H.

Function A: A function (registration side storage module) of storing theinput data by the registration apparatus 11.

Function B: A function (output module) of outputting the data stored bythe registration side module to the checkout apparatus 12 by theregistration apparatus 11.

Function C: A function (payment reception module) of receiving the inputrelating to the payment for the commodity by the checkout apparatus 12before the data input of all the commodities purchased by the customerat the registration apparatus 11 is terminated.

Function D: A function (checkout side storage module) of storing thedata received by the payment reception module by the checkout apparatus12.

Function E: A function (generation module) of generating the transactiondata indicating the content of one transaction from the data stored bythe checkout side storage module and the data output by the outputmodule.

Function F: A function (issuance module) of issuing the receipt of onetransaction based on the transaction data generated by the generationmodule by the checkout apparatus 12.

Function G: Before data input of the commodity purchased by the customerat the registration apparatus 11 is started or during a period from thestart to the termination of the data input, a function (link module) ofsetting the registration apparatus 11 to a linked state in which theregistration apparatus 11 is capable of executing the data communicationwith any one of the plurality of the checkout apparatuses 12.

In order to realize the above functions A˜H, the checkout system 10forms a data buffer 31 and a link destination ID memory 32 in the RAM 11c of the registration apparatus 11 and forms a data buffer 41, atransaction buffer 42, a selection table memory 43 and a linkdestination ID memory 44 in the RAM 12 c of the checkout apparatus 12.

The data buffer 31 at the registration apparatus 11 side is used tostore commodity codes, commodity names, unit prices, sales quantitiesand sales amount of all the purchase target commodities for onecustomer, in other words, all the purchase target commodities registeredas one transaction. The commodity code is a unique code for identifyingeach commodity individually. For example, a commodity code representedby a barcode is attached to each commodity, and by scanning the barcodewith the scanner 11 e, the registration apparatus 11 can acquire thecommodity code. The commodity name and the unit price are a name and aunit price of the commodity identified by the corresponding commoditycode.

The link destination ID memory 32 is an area for storing the device IDof the checkout apparatus 12 in a linked state with the registrationapparatus 11.

The data buffer 41 on the checkout apparatus 12 side is used to storepayment transaction data relating to the payment for the purchase targetcommodity which is registered as one transaction. For example, in thecase of cash payment, the payment transaction data includes depositamount, payment amount, change amount and the like. In the case ofelectronic money payment, the payment transaction data includes paymentamount, balance after payment, and the like. In the case of credit cardpayment, the payment transaction data includes card information, paymentamount and the like.

The transaction buffer 42 stores transaction data generated fromregistration transaction data transmitted from the registrationapparatus 11 and the payment transaction data in the data buffer 41.

The selection table memory 43 stores a selection table T1 having thedata structure shown in FIG. 3. The selection table T1 sets the deviceID (checkout apparatus ID) of each checkout apparatus 12 in thedescending order of the priority order in association with the device ID(registration apparatus ID) of each registration apparatus 11. Thepriority order is a descending order of a distance from the registrationapparatus 11. However, the same checkout apparatus 12 is adjusted so asnot to be in the same rank for different registration apparatuses 11.

In the present embodiment, in FIG. 1, the checkout apparatuses 12 withthe device IDs “A2”, “A1”, “A3”, “A4”, “A5” and “A6” are set in order ofpriority from 1st to 6th for the registration apparatus 11 with thedevice ID “R1”. For the registration apparatus 11 with the device ID“R2”, the checkout apparatuses 12 with the device IDs “A4”, “A3”, “A5”,“A6”, “A1” and “A2” are set in order of priority from 1st to 6th. Forthe registration apparatus 11 with the device ID “R3”, the checkoutapparatuses 12 with the device IDs “A6”, “A5”, “A4”, “A3”, “A2” and “A1”are set in order of priority from 1st to 6th.

The link destination ID memory 44 is used to store the device ID of theregistration apparatus 11 in the linked state with the checkoutapparatus 12.

The checkout system 10 implements control programs for realizing thefunctions A˜H in one transaction respectively in the registrationapparatus 11 and the checkout apparatus 12.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts illustrating the information processingprocedure in one transaction executed according to the control programby the CPU 11 a of the registration apparatus 11. FIG. 6 to FIG. 10 areflowcharts illustrating the information processing procedure in onetransaction executed according to the control program by the CPU 12 a ofthe checkout apparatus 12. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are pattern viewsillustrating examples of an image displayed on the touch panel 11 f ofthe registration apparatus 11. FIG. 13 is a pattern view illustrating animage displayed on the touch panel 12 f of the checkout apparatus 12.Hereinafter, with reference to these drawings, the informationprocessing executed to one transaction by the registration apparatus 11and the checkout apparatus 12 is described. Furthermore, the content ofthe information processing described below is merely an example, andvarious information processing that can obtain the same result can beproperly used.

First, the information processing executed by the registration apparatus11 is described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The informationprocessing is executed according to the control program stored in theROM 11 b or the auxiliary storage unit 11 d.

If the control program is started in the registration apparatus 11, asshown in FIG. 4, the CPU 11 a clears the data buffer 31 (Act 1). The CPU11 a displays a registration image SC1 (refer to FIG. 11) on a part of ascreen of the touch panel 11 f (Act 2).

The registration image SC1 shows the content of the data buffer 31 andenables the store clerk 21 to confirm an execution condition of aregistration processing for one transaction. As shown in FIG. 11, theregistration image SC1 includes display areas D1 and D2. The displayarea D1 displays the commodity name, the unit price, the sales quantity(number) and the sales amount of the purchase target commodity that ismost recently registered in the data buffer 31. The display area D1 alsodisplays the total quantities and the total amount of all the registeredpurchase target commodities. The display area D2 displays the commodityname, the unit price, the sales quantity (number) and the sales amountof the purchase target commodity registered in the data buffer 31 in aformat of list prior to the commodity indicated in the display area D1.By the way, at the time of the processing in Act 2, since the data isnot registered in the data buffer 31, the data is not displayed in thedisplay areas D1 and D2.

Although omitted in the drawing, various functional buttons such as acommodity button for the store clerk 21 to designate the commodity and asubtotal button for designate registration termination of the purchasetarget commodity registered in one transaction are displayed in an areaother than an area of the registration image SC1 on the screen of thetouch panel 11 f.

If the registration image SC1 is displayed, the CPU 11 a confirmswhether or not a link request command is received from anyone of thecheckout apparatuses 12 (Act 3). The link request command is describedin the information processing by the checkout apparatus 12 describedlater. If the link request command is not received (NO in Act 3), theCPU 11 a confirms whether or not the commodity code is input (Act 4).The commodity code is input via the scanner 11 e or the touch panel 11f. If the commodity code is not input (NO in Act 4), the CPU 11 areturns to the processing in Act 3. Therefore, in the processing in Act3 and Act 4, the CPU 11 a waits for reception of the link requestcommand and the input of the commodity code.

In the standby state in Act 3 and Act 4, if the commodity code is input(YES in Act 4), CPU 11 a registers the commodity sales data (Act 5). Inother words, the CPU 11 a acquires commodity information such as thecommodity name, the unit price and the like set in the commoditydatabase in association with the commodity code. The CPU 11 a multipliesthe unit price by the sales quantity to calculate the amountcorresponding to the sales quantity which is called the sales amount.The sales quantity is a numerical value if the numerical value is inputby a numeric keypad or the like before the commodity code is input, andis “1” if no numerical value is input. Thus, the CPU 11 a creates thecommodity sales data including the commodity code, the commodity name,the unit price, the sales quantity and the sales amount. Then, the CPU11 a registers the commodity sales data in the data buffer 31.

Herein, the registration apparatus 11 constitutes the registration sidestorage module by the processing in Act 4˜Act 5 and the data buffer 31.

If the registration of the commodity sales data is terminated, the CPU11 a updates the display areas D1 and D2 of the registration image SC1based on the data in the data buffer 31 (Act 6). Thereafter, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state in Act 3 and Act 4. In this standbystate, for example, if the subtotal button is input, the input isignored.

In the standby state in Act 3 and Act 4, if receiving the link requestcommand (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11 a stores the device ID of thecheckout apparatus 12 contained in the link request command as atransmission source in the link destination ID memory 32 (Act 7). Next,the CPU 11 a displays a link destination image SC2 (refer to FIG. 12)(Act 8). The CPU 11 a transmits a permission response command to thecheckout apparatus 12 which is the command transmission source (Act 9).The permission response command includes the device ID of theregistration apparatus 11 as the transmission source. The processingprocedures in Act 8 and Act 9 are not limited to those, and the orderthereof may be reversed.

As shown in FIG. 12, the link destination image SC2 shows informationfor guiding the customer 22 to the checkout apparatus 12 which is thelink request command transmission source. In FIG. 12, the linkdestination image SC2 is displayed on the upper right side of theregistration image SC1. A display position of the link destination imageSC2 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 12. For example, thelink destination image SC2 may be displayed in the center of theregistration image SC1. In that case, the link destination image SC2contains a confirmation button, and the link destination image SC2 iserased if the confirmation button is touched.

If the processing in Act 7 to Act 9 is finished, as shown in FIG. 5, theCPU 11 a confirms whether or not the commodity code is input (Act 11).If the commodity code is not input (NO in Act 11), the CPU 11 a confirmswhether or not a communication command is received from the checkoutapparatus 12 in the linked state (Act 12). The communication command isdescribed in the information processing of the checkout apparatus 12described later. If the communication command is not received (NO in Act12), the CPU 11 a confirms whether or not the subtotal button is input(Act 13). If the subtotal button is not input, the CPU 11 a returns tothe processing in Act 11. Therefore, in the processing in Act 11 to Act13, the CPU 11 a waits for until the commodity code is input, thecommunication command is received or the subtotal button is input.

In the standby state in Act 11 to Act 13, If the commodity code isinputted (YES in Act 11), the CPU 11 a executes the same processing asthe above-mentioned processing in Act 5 and Act 6. In other words, theCPU 11 a registers the commodity sales data (Act 14) and updates thedisplay areas D1 and D2 of the registration image SC1 (Act 15).Furthermore, the CPU 11 a controls the communication unit 11 h so as totransmit the display data including information of the commodity name,the unit price, the sales quantity and the sales amount and theinformation of the total quantities and the total amount thereofregistered in the data buffer 31 to the checkout apparatus 12 in thelinked state (Act 16). By this control, the display data addressed tothe device ID stored in the link destination ID memory 32 is transmittedto the LAN 13. The display data is received at the checkout apparatus 12identified by the device ID which is the destination. After controllingthe transmission of the display data, the CPU 11 a returns to thestandby state in Act 11 to Act 13.

In the standby state in Act 11 to Act 13, if the communication commandis received (YES in Act 12), the CPU 11 a displays a message or an iconin response to the command on the touch panel 11 f (Act 17). Thedetailed description of the processing is made in the informationprocessing by the checkout apparatus 12 described later.

In the standby state in Act 11 to Act 13, if the subtotal button isinput (YES in Act 13), the CPU 11 a displays a transfer button on thetouch panel 11 f (Act 18). The transfer button may be displayed as apart of the registration image SC1. Alternatively, the transfer buttonmay be displayed in an area other than the area of the registrationimage SC1 on the touch panel 11 f.

The CPU 11 a waits for until the transfer button is input (Act 19). Ifthe transfer button is input (YES in Act 19), the CPU 11 a issues a newregistration apparatus transaction number (Act 20). The registrationapparatus transaction number is, for example, a number obtained by beingincremented by one from 1 in order. If the registration apparatustransaction number is issued, the CPU 11 a generates the registrationtransaction data including the registration apparatus transaction numberand the commodity sales data in the data buffer 31 (Act 21). The CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11 h to send the registrationtransaction data to the checkout apparatus 12 in the linked state. Bythis control, the registration transaction data addressed to the deviceID stored in the link destination ID memory 32 is transmitted to the LAN13. The registration transaction data is received by the checkoutapparatus 12 identified by the device ID which is the destination.

Herein, the registration apparatus 11 constitutes the output module bythe communication unit 11 h and the processing in Act 18˜Act 21.

After controlling the transmission of the registration transaction data,the CPU 11 a stores the registration transaction data in a journal fileof the auxiliary storage unit 11 d (Act 22). The CPU 11 a clears thedevice ID stored in the link destination ID memory 32 (Act 23).Furthermore, the CPU 11 a erases the link destination image SC2displayed on the touch panel 11 f (Act 24). The sequence of theprocessing in Act 22 to Act 24 is not limited to this. The front andrear may be replaced appropriately.

After the processing in Act 20 to Act 24 is finished, the CPU 11 a endsthe information processing for one transaction. Then, the CPU 11 astarts the processing again from Act 1 in the same way as stated above.

Next, the information processing executed by the checkout apparatus 12is described with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 10. The informationprocessing is executed according to the control program stored in theROM 12 b or the auxiliary storage unit 12 d.

If the control program is started in the checkout apparatus 12, as shownin FIG. 6, the CPU 12 a first sets a device status ST to “0” (Act 31).The CPU 12 a displays a default image on a part of the screen of thetouch panel 12 f (Act 32).

The default image is arbitrary. For example, the default image may be amessage “welcome”. Alternatively, an advertisement image of a promotioncommodity may be displayed.

The device status ST indicates the state of the checkout apparatus 12,and is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 12 d, for example. In thepresent embodiment, the device status ST at the time of not being in thelinked state with the registration apparatus 11 is set to “0”. Thedevice status ST at the time of being in the linked state with theregistration apparatus 11 to be capable of executing the checkoutpreprocessing is set to “1”. The device status ST at the time ofreceiving the registration transaction data from the registrationapparatus in the linked state to be capable of executing the checkoutprocessing is set to “2”.

The checkout preprocessing is a processing of receiving preparation forpayment by the customer. For example, in the case of the cash payment,the checkout preprocessing refers to a processing of receivingdepositing of bills and coins of appropriate amount in the automaticchange machine 12 m. In the case of the electronic money payment, thecheckout preprocessing refers to a processing of receiving the balanceinquiry of electronic money or the charge with the electronic money. Inthe case of the credit card payment, the checkout preprocessing refersto a processing of reading the data of the credit card.

The checkout processing refers to a processing of completing the paymentby the customer. For example, in the case of the cash payment, thecheckout processing refers to a processing of setting deposited amountinserted into the automatic change machine 12 m as the deposit amount,calculating the change amount and dispensing the change from theautomatic change machine 12 m. In the case of the electronic moneypayment, the checkout processing refers to a processing of subtractingthe payment amount from the balance of the electronic money. In the caseof the credit card payment, the checkout processing refers to aprocessing of authenticating the credit card.

The CPU 12 a confirms the device status ST (Act 33). At this time point,since the device status ST is “0”, the CPU 12 a communicates with othercheckout apparatuses 12 via the LAN 13 to explore the checkout apparatus12 of which the device status ST is set to “0” (Act 34). Then, the CPU12 a refers to the selection table T1 to determine whether or not thecheckout apparatus 12 is a top priority checkout apparatus (Act 35). Thetop priority checkout apparatus refers to the checkout apparatus 12which is the highest in the priority order among the checkoutapparatuses 12 of which the device statuses ST are set to “0” for theregistration apparatus 11. In the case in which the checkout apparatus12 becomes the top priority checkout apparatus for a plurality of theregistration apparatuses 11, the checkout apparatus 12 is the toppriority checkout apparatus for the registration apparatus 11 with thehighest priority order.

A specific example of the processing for determining the top prioritycheckout apparatus is described using the selection table T1 in FIG. 3.As an example, the device statuses of all the checkout apparatuses 12are set to “0”. In this case, for the registration apparatus 11 with thedevice ID “R1”, the checkout apparatus which is first in the priorityorder, in other words, the checkout apparatus 12 with the device ID “A2”is the top priority checkout apparatus. For the registration apparatus11 with the device ID “R2”, the checkout apparatus which is first in thepriority order, in other words, the checkout apparatus 12 with thedevice ID “A4” is the top priority checkout apparatus. For theregistration apparatus 11 with the device ID “R3”, the checkoutapparatus which is first in the priority order, in other words, thecheckout apparatus 12 with the device ID “A6” is the top prioritycheckout apparatus. The checkout apparatuses 12 with other device IDs“A1”, “A3” and “A5” are not the top priority checkout apparatuses.

As another example, the device status of the checkout apparatus 12 otherthan the device ID “A2” is set to “0”. In this case, for theregistration apparatus 11 with the device ID “R1”, the checkoutapparatus which is second in the priority order, in other words, thecheckout apparatus 12 with the device ID “A1” becomes the top prioritycheckout apparatus.

As yet another example, the device statuses of the checkout apparatuses12 with the device IDs “A1”, “A2” and “A3” are not “0” and the checkoutapparatuses 12 with the device IDs “A4”, “A5” and “A6” are set to “0”.In this case, for the registration apparatus 11 with the device ID “R1”,the checkout apparatus which is fourth in the priority order, in otherwords, the checkout apparatus 12 with the device ID “A4” is the toppriority checkout apparatus. However, the checkout apparatus 12 with thedevice ID “A4” becomes the top priority checkout apparatus which isfirst in the priority order for the registration apparatus 11 with thedevice ID “R2”. For this reason, for the registration apparatus 11 withthe device ID “R1”, the checkout apparatus which is fifth in thepriority order, in other words, the checkout apparatus 12 with thedevice ID “A5” becomes the top priority checkout apparatus.

In Act 35, if it is determined that the checkout apparatus 12 is not thetop priority checkout apparatus (NO in Act 35), the CPU 12 a returns tothe processing in Act 33. Therefore, in this case, since the devicestatus ST remains “0”, the CPU 12 a repeats the processing in Act 34˜Act35.

In Act 35, if it is determined that that the checkout apparatus 12 isthe top priority checkout apparatus (YES in Act 35), the CPU 12 acontrols the communication unit 12 h to transmit the link requestcommand to the registration apparatus 11 for which the checkoutapparatus 12 becomes the top priority checkout apparatus (Act 36). Bythis control, the link request command addressed to the correspondingdevice ID of the registration apparatus 11 is transmitted to the LAN 13.The link request command includes own device ID (checkout apparatus ID)as the transmission source. The link request command is received by theregistration apparatus 11 of which the device ID which is thedestination is set.

After sending the link request command, the CPU 11 a determines whetheror not the permission response command is received (Act 37). Asdescribed above, if the registration apparatus 11 receives the linkrequest command in the standby state in Act 3 to Act 4, the CPU 11 a ofthe registration apparatus 11 executes the processing in Act 7 to Act 9.In other words, the CPU 11 a stores the device ID (checkout apparatusID) of the transmission source contained in the link request command inthe link destination ID memory (Act 7) and displays the link destinationimage on the touch panel 11 f (Act 8). The CPU 11 a transmits thepermission response command to the checkout apparatus 12 which is thetransmission source of the link request command (Act 9). On the otherhand, if the registration apparatus 11 does not receive the link requestcommand in the standby state of Act 3. Therefore, the registrationapparatus 11 does not transmit the permission response command to thecheckout apparatus 12 which is the transmission source of the linkrequest command.

If the permission response command cannot be received for the linkrequest command (NO in ACT 37), the CPU 12 a returns to the processingin Act 33. Therefore, in this case, since the device status ST remains“0”, the CPU 12 a repeats the processing in Act 34˜Act 37 in the sameway as stated above.

If the permission response command is received for the link requestcommand (YES in ACT 37), the CPU 12 a stores the device ID of theregistration apparatus 11 contained as the destination in the command inthe link destination ID memory 44 (Act 38). The CPU 12 a updates thedevice status ST to “1” (Act 39). Thereafter, the CPU 12 a returns tothe processing in Act 33.

Herein, the checkout system 10 constitutes the link module according tothe processing in Act 7˜Act 9 by the registration apparatus 11 and theprocessing in Act 34˜Act 39 by the checkout apparatus 12.

If returning to the processing in Act 33 after the processing in Act 39,since the device status ST is updated to “1”, the CPU 12 a executes thecheckout preprocessing (Act 40).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the specific procedure of thecheckout preprocessing. Upon entering the checkout preprocessing, theCPU 12 a sets media data M to “0” (Act 51). The media data M is used foridentifying the payment method. In the present embodiment, the mediadata M for identifying the cash payment is set to “1”, the media data Mfor identifying the electronic money payment is set to “2”, and themedia data M for identifying the credit card payment is set to “3”. “0”indicates a state in which the method of the payment is indeterminate.

The CPU 12 a clears the data buffer 41 (Act 52). Then, the CPU 11 adisplays a checkout preparation image SC3 (refer to FIG. 13) on a partof the screen of the touch panel 12 f (Act 53).

The checkout preparation image SC3 supports the customer who preparesfor the payment. As shown in FIG. 13, the checkout preparation image SC3includes display areas D3, D4 and D5. The display area D3 displaysguidance to the customer. The display area D4 displays the registrationdetails of the commodity that the customer desires to purchase. Thedisplay area D5 includes a communication area D51, an electronic moneyarea D52, a payment selection area D53, and a registration terminationarea D54.

Three kinds of communication buttons B1, B2, and B3 are displayed in thecommunication area D51. The communication button B1 is touched if thecustomer uses a gift certificate for the payment. The communicationbutton B2 is touched if the customer purchases a paid plastic bag. Thecommunication button B3 is touched if the customer wants equipment suchas chopsticks or a spoon. Needless to say, the communication buttons B1,B2 and B3 are not limited to the three types shown in FIG. 13.

In the electronic money area D52, two kinds of electronic money buttonsB4 and B5 are displayed. The electronic money button B4 is touched ifthe customer charges with the electronic money. The electronic moneybutton B5 is touched if the customer inquires the balance of theelectronic money. Needless to say, the electronic money buttons B4 andB5 are not limited to the two types shown in FIG. 13.

Three types of payment method buttons B6, B7, and B8 are displayed inthe payment selection area D53. The payment method button B6 is touchedif the customer selects the cash payment. The payment method button B7is touched if the customer selects the electronic money payment. Thepayment method button B8 is touched if the customer selects the creditcard payment. Needless to say, the payment method buttons B6, B7 and B8are not limited to the three types shown in FIG. 13.

In the registration termination area D54, information for notifying thecustomer that the registration transaction data is received from theregistration apparatus 11 in which the permission response is made tothe link request command, in other words, from the registrationapparatus 11 in the linked state is displayed. As the information, forexample, a message “please perform payment with the selected paymentmethod” may be displayed. The total quantities or the total amountcontained in the registration transaction data maybe displayed. Thetotal quantities and the total amount contained in the registrationtransaction data may be displayed in the registration termination areaD54 and the above message may be displayed on the display area D3.

After displaying the checkout preparation image SC3, the CPU 12 aconfirms whether or not the display data is received from theregistration apparatus 11 in the linked state (Act 54). If the displaydata is not received (NO in Act 54), the CPU 12 a confirms whether ornot the communication buttons B1, B2 and B3 are input (Act 55). If thecommunication buttons B1, B2, and B3 are not input (NO in Act 55), theCPU 12 a confirms whether or not the electronic money buttons B4 and B5are input (Act 56). If the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 are notinput (NO in Act 56), the CPU 12 a examines the media data M (Act 57).If the media data M is “0” (YES in Act 57), the CPU 12 a confirmswhether or not the payment method buttons B6, B7, and B8 are input (Act58). If the payment method buttons B6, B7, and B8 are not input (NO inAct 58), the CPU 12 a returns to the processing in Act 54. Therefore, ifthe media data M is “0”, in other words, if the payment method isindefinite, the CPU 11 a waits for until the display data is received,the communication buttons B1, B2 and B3 are input, the electronic moneybuttons B4 and B5 are input, or the payment method buttons B6, B7 and B8are input.

If the display data is received in the standby state in Act 54 to Act 58(YES in Act 54), the CPU 12 a updates a registration details display inthe display area D4 (Act 59). The display data includes information ofthe commodity name, the unit price, the sales quantity and the salesamount and information of the total quantities and the total amountthereof registered in the data buffer 31 in the registration apparatus11 in the linked state. Based on the received display data, the CPU 12 aupdates the registration details display in the display area D4. Afterupdating the registration details display in the display area D4, theCPU 12 a returns to the standby state in Act 54 to Act 58.

If the communication buttons B1, B2 and B3 are input in the standbystate in Act 54 to Act 58, the CPU 12 a controls the communication unit12 h to transmit the communication command in response to the type ofthe input communication buttons B1, B2 and B3 to the registrationapparatus 11 in the linked state (Act 60). By this control, thecommunication command addressed to the device ID stored in the linkdestination ID memory 44 is transmitted to the LAN 13. The communicationcommand is received by the registration apparatus 11 identified by thedevice ID which is the destination. As described above, in theregistration apparatus 11 receiving the communication command, amessage, an icon and the like corresponding to the command are displayedon the touch panel 11 f.

For example, if the communication command corresponding to thecommunication button B1 is received, in the registration apparatus 11,the message, the icon and the like for notifying the store clerk 21 thatthe customer 22 uses the gift certificate is displayed on the touchpanel 11 f. After confirming the notification, the store clerk 21 mayjust go to the customer 22 to receive the gift certificate and registerthe denomination thereof in the checkout apparatus 12 or theregistration apparatus 11.

If the communication command corresponding to the communication buttonB2 is received, in the registration apparatus 11, the message, the iconand the like for notifying the store clerk 21 that the customer 22 usesthe paid plastic bag is displayed on the touch panel 11 f. The storeclerk 21 after confirming the notification may just register the paidplastic bag in the registration apparatus 11 and put the plastic baginto the shopping basket 16 into which the purchase target commodity isinput.

If the communication command corresponding to the communication buttonB3 is received, in the registration apparatus 11, the message, the iconand the like for notifying the store clerk 21 that the customer 22 wantsthe equipment such as chopsticks or the spoon is displayed on the touchpanel 11 f. The store clerk 21 after confirming the notification mayjust pass the necessary equipment from the purchase target commodity tothe customer 22.

After controlling the transmission of the communication command, the CPU12 a returns to the standby state in Act 54 to Act 58.

In the standby state in Act 54 to Act 58, if the electronic moneybuttons B4 and B5 are inputted, the CPU 12 a executes the electronicmoney processing (Act 61).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the specific procedure of theelectronic money processing. Upon entering the electronic moneyprocessing, the CPU 12 a confirms which one of the electronic moneybuttons B4 and B5 is input (Act 71). If the electronic money button B4is input (“charge” in Act 71), the CPU 12 a detects the balance of theelectronic money from the data of the electronic money medium read bythe electronic money reader/writer 12 k and displays it on the touchpanel 12 f (Act 72). At this time, the touch panel 12 f displays atermination button for the customer 22 to instruct the termination ofcharge together with the balance of the electronic money.

The CPU 12 a confirms whether or not the termination button is input(Act 73). If the termination button is not inputted, the CPU 12 aconfirms whether or not the charged amount is deposited in the automaticchange machine 12 m (Act 74). If the charged amount is not deposited,the CPU 12 a returns to the processing in Act 73. Therefore, in theprocessing in Act 73 and Act 74, the CPU 12 a waits for until thetermination button is input or the charged amount is deposited.

In the standby state in Act 73 and Act 74, if the charged amount isdeposited, the CPU 12 a updates the balance of the electronic moneymedium by increasing the balance of the electronic money with thedeposited amount (Act 75). The CPU 12 a displays the updated balance onthe touch panel 12 f. Thereafter, the CPU 12 a returns to the standbystate in Act 73 and Act 74.

In the standby state in Act 73 and Act 74, if the termination button isinput, the CPU 12 a issues a new checkout apparatus transaction number(Act 76). The checkout apparatus transaction number is, for example, anumber incremented by one from 1 in order. If the checkout apparatustransaction number is issued, the CPU 12 a controls the printer 12 g toissue a charge receipt (Act 77). Through the control, the charge receipton which the balance before the charge, the charge amount, the balanceafter the charge and the checkout apparatus transaction number areprinted is issued.

After controlling the issuance of the charge receipt, the CPU 12 adeletes the balance displayed on the touch panel 12 f (Act 78). Asstated above, the electronic money processing is terminated if theelectronic money button B4 is input.

On the other hand, if the electronic money button B5 is input (“inquiry”in Act 71), the CPU 12 a detects the balance of the electronic moneyfrom the data of the electronic money medium read by the electronicmoney reader/writer 12 k and displays it on the touch panel 12 f (Act79). At this time, a confirmation button for instructing that thecustomer 22 confirms the balance is displayed on the touch panel 12 ftogether with the balance of the electronic money.

The CPU 12 a waits for until the confirmation button is input (Act 80).If the confirmation button is input (YES in Act 80), the CPU 12 adeletes the balance displayed on the touch panel 12 f (Act 78). Asstated above, the electronic money processing is terminated in the casein which the electronic money button B5 is input. If the electronicmoney processing is terminated, the CPU 12 a returns to the standbystate in Act 54 to Act 58.

In the case where the payment method buttons B6, B7 and B8 are input inthe standby state in Act 54 to Act 58 (YES in Act 58), the CPU 12 achanges the media data M (Act 62). In other words, if the payment methodbutton B6 is inputted, the CPU 12 a changes the media data M to “1”, ifthe payment method button B7 is input, the CPU 12 a changes the mediadata M to “2”, and if the payment method button B8 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to “3”. Thereafter, the CPU 12 a executes thepayment reception processing (Act 63).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the specific procedure of the paymentreception processing. Upon entering the payment reception processing,the CPU 12 a examines the media data M (Act 91).

If the media data M is “1”, the CPU 12 a confirms the presence orabsence of the depositing (Act 92). If the cash is not inserted into theautomatic change machine 12 m (NO in Act 92), the CPU 12 a terminatesthe payment reception processing. If the cash is inserted into theautomatic change machine 12 m (YES in Act 92), the CPU 12 a stores thedeposited amount in the data buffer 41 and displays a message indicatingthat the cash payment is selected on the touch panel 12 f (Act 93). Asstated above, the CPU 12 a terminates the payment reception processing.

If the media data M is “2”, the CPU 12 a confirms whether or not thedata of the electronic money medium is read by the electronic moneyreader/writer 12 k (Act 94). If the data of the electronic money mediumis not read (NO in Act 94), the CPU 12 a terminates the paymentreception processing. If the data of the electronic money medium is read(YES in Act 94), the CPU 12 a detects the balance of the electronicmoney from the data of the electronic money medium read by theelectronic money reader/writer 12 k (Act 95). Then, the CPU 12 a storesthe balance in the data buffer 41 and displays a message indicating thatthe electronic money payment is selected on the touch panel 12 f. Asstated above, the CPU 12 a terminates the payment reception processing.

If the media data M is “3”, the CPU 12 a confirms whether or not thecard reader/writer 12 j reads the data of the credit card (Act 96). Ifthe data of the credit card is not read (NO in Act 96), the CPU 12 aterminates the payment reception processing. If the data of the creditcard is read (YES in Act 96), the CPU 12 a stores the data of the creditcard read by the card reader/writer 12 j in the data buffer 41 anddisplays a message indicating that the credit card payment is selectedon the touch panel 12 f (Act 97). Thus, the CPU 12 a terminates thepayment reception processing.

Herein, the checkout apparatus 12 constitutes the payment receptionmodule by the processing in Act 58, Act 62˜Act 63 (Act 91˜Act 97) by thecheckout apparatus 12.

If the payment reception processing is terminated, the CPU 12 a returnsto the processing in Act 54. Therefore, since the media data M is not“0” this time (NO in Act 57), the CPU 12 a proceeds to NO in Act 57. Inother words, the CPU 12 a waits for reception of the display data, inputof the communication buttons B1, B2 and B3 or input of the electronicmoney buttons B4 and B5. Further, the CPU 12 a executes the paymentreception processing.

Return to the description in FIG. 6, while executing the checkoutpreprocessing, the CPU 12 a waits for the registration transaction datatransmitted from the registration apparatus 11 (Act 41). If receivingthe registration transaction data (YES in ACT 41), the CPU 12 a updatesthe device status ST to “2” (Act 42). Thereafter, the CPU 12 a returnsto the processing in Act 33. Therefore, in this case, since the devicestatus ST is updated to “2”, the CPU 12 a stores the registrationtransaction data in the transaction buffer 42 (Act 43).

Herein, the checkout apparatus 12 constitutes the checkout storagemodule by the data buffer 41 and the processing in Act 43.

After storing the registration transaction data in the transactionbuffer 42, the CPU 12 a executes the checkout processing (Act 44).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the specific procedure of thecheckout processing. Upon entering the checkout processing, the CPU 12 adisplays information for informing the customer that the registrationtransaction data is received as stated above on the registrationtermination area D54 of the checkout preparation image SC3 (Act 101).

Next, The CPU 12 a examines the media data M (Act 102). If the mediadata M is “0” (YES in Act 102), the payment method is indefinite. Inthis case, the CPU 12 a waits for input of payment method buttons B6, B7and B8 (Act 103). If the payment method buttons B6, B7 and B8 are input(YES in Act 103), the CPU 12 a changes the media data M (Act 104). Inother words, if the payment method button B6 is inputted, the CPU 12 achanges the media data M to “1”, if the payment method button B7 isinput, the CPU 12 a changes the media data M to “2”, and if the paymentmethod button B8 is input, the CPU 12 a changes the media data M to “3”.Therefore, it is possible for the customer 22 to select the paymentmethod not only before the checkout apparatus 12 receives theregistration transaction data but also after the checkout apparatus 12receives the registration transaction data.

If the media data M is changed in Act 104, or the media data M is notset to “0” in Act 102 (NO in Act 102), the CPU 12 a issues the newcheckout apparatus transaction number (Act 105). If the checkoutapparatus transaction number is issued, the CPU 12 a edits thetransaction data (Act 106). Specifically, the CPU 12 a adds the paymenttransaction data stored in the data buffer 41 together with the checkoutapparatus transaction number to the registration transaction data storedin the transaction buffer 42, and generates the transaction dataindicating the content of one transaction.

Herein, the checkout apparatus 12 constitutes the generation module bythe transaction buffer 42 and the processing in Act 106 and Act 109.

Next, the CPU 12 a examines the media data M (Act 107). Herein, if themedia data M is “1”, the CPU 12 a executes the cash settlementprocessing (Act 108). In other words, the CPU 12 a calculates the changeamount if the deposit amount inserted into the automatic change machine12 m becomes equal to or more than the total amount. At this time, ifthe deposited amount is stored in the payment reception processing, thedeposited amount is the deposit amount. In addition, if the cash isfurther inserted into the automatic change machine 12 m, the inputamount is added to the deposited amount to become the deposit amount.Therefore, the customer can take a countermeasure, for example,inserting the bills for approximate payment at the stage of the checkoutpreprocessing and inserting the coins corresponding to the paymentdetermined at the stage of the checkout processing.

If the cash settlement processing is terminated, the CPU 12 a updatesthe transaction data of the transaction buffer 42 (Act 109).Specifically, the CPU 12 a adds the deposit amount and the change amountto the transaction data. Then, the CPU 12 a creates print data of apurchase receipt based on the data of the transaction buffer 42, andoutputs it to the printer 12 g to control issuance of the purchasereceipt (Act 110).

In Act 107, if the media data M is “2”, the CPU 12 a executes theelectronic money settlement processing (Act 111). In other words, theCPU 12 a subtracts the total amount from the balance of the electronicmoney obtained from the data read from the electronic money medium bythe electronic money reader/writer 12 k. At this time, if the electronicmoney balance is already stored in the payment reception processing, theelectronic money balance is used.

If the electronic money settlement processing is terminated, the CPU 12a updates the transaction data of the transaction buffer 42 (Act 112).Specifically, the balance of the electronic money before the payment andthe balance of the electronic money after the payment are added to thetransaction data. Then, the CPU 12 a creates the print data of thepurchase receipt based on the data of the transaction buffer 42, andoutputs it to the printer 12 g to control the issuance of the purchasereceipt (Act 113).

Herein, the checkout apparatus 12 constitutes the issuance module by theprinter 12 g and the processing in Act 110 or Act 113.

In Act 107, if the media data M is “3”, the CPU 12 a executes the creditcard settlement processing (Act 114). In other words, the CPU 12 aauthenticates the data read from the credit card with the cardreader/writer 12 j. At this time, if the data of the credit card isstored in the payment reception processing, the data is authenticated.

If the data of the credit card is authenticated and the credit cardsettlement processing is terminated, the CPU 12 a updates thetransaction data of the transaction buffer 42 (Act 115). Specifically,the payment amount by the credit card and the information of a part ofthe credit card and the like are added to the transaction data. Then,the CPU 12 a creates print data of a credit slip based on the data inthe transaction buffer 42, and outputs it to the printer 12 g to controlthe issuance of the credit slip (Act 115).

In this way, if the purchase receipt is issued (Act 110, Act 113), orthe credit slip is issued (Act 116), the CPU 12 a stores the transactiondata in the transaction buffer 42 in the auxiliary storage unit 12 d(Act 117). Thus, the CPU 12 a terminates the checkout processing.

Return to the description of FIG. 6, if the checkout processing isterminated, the CPU 12 a clears the device ID stored in the linkdestination ID memory 32 (Act 45).

The checkout system 10 constitutes a release method according to theprocessing in Act 23 by the registration apparatus 11 and the processingin Act 45 by the checkout apparatus 12. In this way, the CPU 12 aterminates the information processing for one transaction. Then, the CPU12 a starts the processing again from the processing Act 31 in the sameas stated above.

Next, the operation and effect of the checkout system 10 are describedby taking the checkout lane in which the registration apparatus 11(hereinafter, referred to as a registration apparatus 11-R1) with thedevice ID “R1” is installed as an example.

In FIG. 1, the registration job of the purchase target commodity by thecustomer 22 who is present at the installation position of the checkoutapparatus 12 (hereinafter, referred to as a checkout apparatus 12-A2)with the device ID “A2” is terminated with the registration apparatus11-R1. The device status ST of the checkout apparatus 12-A2 is “2”. Onthe other hand, it is assumed that the checkout apparatus 12(hereinafter, referred to as a checkout apparatus 12-A1) with the deviceID “A1” is in an idle state. In this case, for the registrationapparatus 11-R1, the checkout apparatus 12-A1 is the top prioritycheckout apparatus. Therefore, the link request command is transmittedfrom the checkout apparatus 12-A1 to the registration apparatus 11-R1.If the registration apparatus 11-R1 and the checkout apparatus 12-A1 arein the linked state, the link destination image SC2 for guiding thecustomer 22 to the checkout apparatus 12-A1 is displayed on the touchpanel 11 f of the registration apparatus 11-R1. On the touch panel 12 fof the checkout apparatus 12-A1, the checkout preparation image SC3 isdisplayed.

Herein, if the next customer 22 arrives at the checkout lane, the storeclerk 21 gives a guidance to guide the customer 22 to the checkoutapparatus 12-A1 represented by the link destination image SC2. Themethod of the guidance is not particularly limited. Generally speaking,it is thought that the guidance such as “please go to the checkoutapparatus of A1 and prepare for payment” is made orally. The customer 22who hears the guidance moves to the installation position of thecheckout apparatus 12-A1.

The store clerk 21 who is the operator of the registration apparatus11-R1 starts the registration of the purchase target commodity for thecustomer 22 who moves to the installation position of the checkoutapparatus 12-A1. Then, in the registration apparatus 11-R1, the data ofthe purchase target commodity is stored in the data buffer 31. In thecheckout apparatus 12-A1, the data stored in the data buffer 31, inother words, the details (commodity name, the unit price, the salesquantity and the sales amount) of the purchase target commodity aredisplayed in the display area D4 of the checkout preparation screen SC3.Accordingly, the customer 22 who moves to the installation position ofthe checkout apparatus 12-A1 can confirm the registration content in theregistration apparatus 11-R1 in real time from the contents of thedisplay area D4. In this way, since it can be confirmed that thepurchase target commodity is registered correctly by the store clerk 21even if the customer leaves the vicinity of the store clerk 21, thecustomer 22 can move to the installation position of the checkoutapparatus 12-A1 at ease.

On the other hand, the customer 22 who moves to the installationposition of the checkout apparatus 12-A1 and confirms the checkoutpreparation image SC3, notifies the store clerk 21 who operates theregistration apparatus 11-R1 of the use of the gift certificate bytouching the communication button B1. Similarly, by touching thecommunication button B2, it is possible to notify the use of the paidplastic bag, and by touching the communication button B3, it is possibleto notify the request of the equipment such as the chopsticks or aspoon. In this way, even if the customer moves to the installationposition of the checkout apparatus 12-A1, the customer 22 cancommunicate with the store clerk 21 who operates the registrationapparatus 11-R1. Therefore, the customer 22 can move to the installationposition of the checkout apparatus 12 according to the instruction ofthe store clerk 21 at ease even before the registration of the purchasetarget commodity is terminated.

The customer 22 confirming the checkout preparation image SC3 touchesthe electronic money button B4 holds the electronic money medium overthe electronic money reader/writer 12 k and inserts the charged amountinto the automatic change machine 12 m to charge with the electronicmoney. Similarly, by touching the electronic money button B5 and holdingthe electronic money medium over the electronic money reader/writer 12k, the customer 22 can inquire the balance of the electronic money. Inthis way, while the checkout preparation image SC3 is being displayed,in other words, while the registration of the purchase target commodityis being executed at the registration apparatus 11-R1, the customer 22operates the checkout apparatus 12-A1 to be capable of executing thecharge with the electronic money or inquiry of the balance.

Similarly, the customer 22 who already confirms the checkout preparationimage SC3 can prepare for the cash payment by touching the paymentmethod button B6. Specifically, it is possible to input the cashrequired for the payment in advance to the automatic change machine 12m. By touching the payment method button B7, the customer 22 can preparefor the electronic money payment and by touching the payment methodbutton B8, the customer 22 can prepare for the credit card payment.

Therefore, the customer 22 can start preparing for the cash payment atthe installation position of the checkout apparatus 12-A1 withoutwaiting for the termination of the data input of the purchase targetcommodity. Then, for example, if the customer 22 touches the paymentmethod button B6 and inserts the cash into the automatic change machine12 m, the deposited amount is stored in the data buffer 41. Thereafter,if the registration of the purchase target commodity of the customer 22who moves to the installation position of the checkout apparatus 12-A1is terminated and the operator of the registration apparatus 11-R1touches the subtotal button, the checkout apparatus 12-A1 generates thetransaction data representing the content of one transaction from thedata stored in the data buffer 31 of the registration apparatus 11-R1and the data stored in the checkout apparatus 12-A1. The receipt isissued based on the transaction data.

As described above, in the checkout system 10, since transaction data iscreated in accordance with the data stored in the data buffers 31 and 41at the same time in the registration apparatus 11-R1 and the checkoutapparatus 12-A1, even if the operation relating to the payment isperformed in the checkout apparatus 12-A1 before the end of theregistration of the transaction data, the content thereof can bereflected in the transaction data and correct transaction data can begenerated. As a result, the staying time of the customer 22 at theinstallation position of the checkout apparatus 12-A1 is shortened, sothat the checkout job can be more efficient.

Hereinafter, other embodiments are described.

In the above embodiment, the checkout apparatus 12 having the devicestatus ST of “0” determines whether or not the checkout apparatus 12 isthe top priority checkout apparatus for the registration apparatus 11using the selection table T1. In the case in which the checkoutapparatus 12 is the top priority checkout apparatus, the checkoutapparatus 12 transmits the link request command to the registrationapparatus 11. Upon receiving of the permission response command from theregistration apparatus 11, the checkout system 10 sets the checkoutapparatus 12 and the registration apparatus 11 to the linked state.

In another embodiment, the checkout apparatus 12 having the devicestatus ST of “0” transmits the link request command to the registrationapparatus 11. The registration apparatus 11 that is not in the linkedstate with the checkout apparatus 12 displays a checkout apparatusselection screen SC4 (refer to FIG. 14) capable of selecting the deviceID of the checkout apparatus 12 which transmits the link request commandon the touch panel 11 f.

The checkout apparatus selection image SC4 includes buttons B11-A1,B11-A3 and B11-A4 corresponding to the device IDs of the checkoutapparatuses 12 having the device status ST of “0” one to one. Thecheckout apparatus selection image SC4 is displayed at the center of theregistration image SC1, for example. The store clerk 21 who confirms theimage SC1 touches any one of the buttons B11. Then, the permissionresponse command is transmitted from the registration apparatus 11 tothe checkout apparatus 12 with the device ID corresponding to the buttonB11. Thus, the checkout system 10 sets the checkout apparatus 12 and theregistration apparatus 11 to the linked state.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, on a checkout apparatus selectionimage SC5, the buttons B11-A1, B11-A2, B11-A3, B11-A4 and B11-A5corresponding to the device IDs of all the checkout apparatuses 12 oneto one. Then, only the button corresponding to the device ID of thecheckout apparatus 12 whose the device status ST is “0” may be displayedin a state in which the input is enabled.

In the above embodiment, the registration termination area D54 is a partof the display area D5. In another embodiment, on condition that thepayment method is selected at the stage of the checkout preprocessing,if the registration transaction data is received from the registrationapparatus 11 in the linked state, the whole of the display area D5 isset as the registration termination area and buttons B1˜B8 is erased. Inthis way, the customer 22 can be definitely aware of termination of theregistration of the purchase target commodity at the registrationapparatus 11.

In this case, if the payment method is not selected at the stage of thecheckout preprocessing, the communication area D51 and the electronicmoney area D52 maybe set as the registration termination area, and thebuttons B6˜B8 of the payment selection area D53 may receive the input.

In the above embodiment, the registration transaction data based on theinput commodity data from the registration apparatus 11 is transferredto the checkout apparatus 12.

In another embodiment, the registration transaction data based on theinput commodity data is stored in a server on the LAN 13. Then, theregistration transaction data stored in the server is transferred fromthe server to the checkout apparatus 12, and the settlement processingis executed based on the payment data inputted in the checkout apparatus12. Alternatively, based on the registration transaction data stored inthe server and the payment data input in the checkout apparatus 12linked with the registration apparatus 11, the server executes thesettlement processing. Then, if there is the change, the change isdispensed with the checkout apparatus 12 and the receipt is issued withthe checkout apparatus 12.

The transfer of the registration apparatus 11 and the checkout apparatus12 is generally made in a state in which the program such as the controlprogram is stored in the ROM. However, the present invention is notlimited to that, and the control program transferred separate from acomputer device is written in a rewritable storage device provided inthe computer device in response to an operation by the user, forexample. The transfer of the control program can be performed byrecording the control program in a removable recording medium or throughcommunication via the network. The recording medium may be in any formas long as it can store a program and can be read by the device such asa CD-ROM, a memory card and the like. The function obtained byinstalling or downloading the program may be realized in cooperationwith an OS (operating system) or the like inside the apparatus.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the invention. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended tocover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A checkout method comprising: inputting, by afirst system comprising a first processor, commodity data representing acommodity purchased by a customer; processing, by the first system,payment of the commodity based on the commodity data; storing, by thefirst system, the commodity data; outputting, by the first system, thecommodity data; receiving, by a second system comprising a secondprocessor, payment data representing a payment for the commodity beforedata input of all the commodities purchased by the customer isterminated; storing, by the second system, the payment data; generating,by the second system, transaction data indicating a content of onetransaction based on the payment data and the commodity data; andissuing, by the second system, a receipt of the one transaction based onthe transaction data, wherein the second system is assigned, by thefirst system, a unique device identifier, wherein the unique deviceidentifier is determined based on a descending priority order, andwherein the descending priority order is determined based on a distancevalue that is measured between the first system and the second system.2. The checkout method according to claim 1, further comprising:receiving, by the second system, at least depositing of cash, storing,by the second system, a deposited amount of cash, and generating, by thesecond system, the transaction data by setting the deposited amount ofcash as a deposit amount.
 3. The checkout method according to claim 1,further comprising: receiving, by the second system, at least a balanceof electronic money, storing, by the second system, the balance of theelectronic money, and generating, by the second system, the transactiondata by setting a total amount as a payment amount by the electronicmoney at the time the balance of electronic money stored is equal to ormore than the total amount of the commodity data.
 4. The checkout methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the secondsystem, credit card data representing a credit card, storing, by thesecond system, the credit card data, and generating, by the secondsystem, the transaction data by setting at least a part of the totalamount calculated from the commodity data as a payment amount by thecredit card in response to an approval of the credit card.
 5. Thecheckout method according to claim 1, further comprising: setting, bythe first system, the first system to execute data communication withany one of a plurality of second systems before input of the commoditydata by the customer at the first system is started or during a periodfrom start of inputting the commodity data to a termination of theinputting of the commodity data, and outputting, by the first system,the commodity data to the second system in a state in which the datacommunication is possible.
 6. The checkout method according to claim 1,further comprising: reading, by the second system, a barcode attached tothe commodity.